A new museum dedicated to Dutch maritime activities just opened on the island of <a href="http://www.texel.net/" target="_blank">Texel</a> in the Netherlands. Inspired by the traditional architecture of the island, the <a href="http://www.texelsmaritiem.nl/" target="_blank">Maritime and Beachcombers Museum</a> (also know as <a href="http://www.texel.net/en/what-to-do/museums/kaap-skil/" target="_blank">Kaap Skil</a>) was designed by <a href="http://www.mecanoo.nl/Default.aspx?tabid=116&amp;DetailId=711&amp;pcode=A420" target="_blank">Mecanoo Architecten</a> and features the world's largest maritime maquette. The gabled roof structure is clad in reclaimed wood slats and features an exhibition space flooded with natural light.

1

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The island of Texel was once a popular holdover spot for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_India_Company">Dutch East India Company</a> on their way out of Amsterdam before setting sail.

2

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Ships would anchor near here to wait for good weather and work on repairs, and the island became an important place for the shipping industry.

3

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Kaap Skil, or the <a href="http://www.texelsmaritiem.nl/" target="_blank">Maritime and Beachcombers Museum</a> is dedicated to that legacy and the history of the island.

4

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Inside, you can see traditional fishermen's houses, learn how rope was made, how fish was smoked and see the world's largest maritime maquette

5

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The model shows the <a href="http://www.dereedevantexel.nl/nederlands/frameset_de_reede/frameset.htm" target="_blank">Rede van Texel</a> in the seventeenth century full of sailing boats anchored and waiting for favorable winds to set sail to the "Orient".

6

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The three-story museum features 4 gabled roofs inspired by the traditional architecture of the island.

7

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The exterior rain screen is made from <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/reclaimed-wood/">reclaimed wood</a> salvaged from the North Holland Canal.

8

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The hardwood sheet pilings were cut down into boards to form vertical slats, which protect the building from the weather and allow natural light to filter though.

9

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Behind the rain screen is a glass facade, which ensures the top two floors are filled with natural daylight.

10

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Inside, the museum holds two exhibition spaces, a shop, and a restaurant.

11

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The museum's design was inspired by the architecture of the island and the traditions of using driftwood and recycled materials for construction.

12

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

Floor plans of the museum.

13

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

The building's form takes concepts from surrounding architecture as well as the water and the waves.

14

1/14

Maritime and Beachcombers Museum-Mecanoo Architecten

A new museum dedicated to Dutch maritime activities just opened on the island of Texel in the Netherlands. Inspired by the traditional architecture of the island, the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum (also know as Kaap Skil) was designed by Mecanoo Architecten and features the world's largest maritime maquette. The gabled roof structure is clad in reclaimed wood slats and features an exhibition space flooded with natural light.